New Ulm weekly review., 1887-09-28
oUR NATIONAL CONSTITUTION.

oUR NATIONAL CONSTITUTION.
Last and Crouning lay Of the Celebration Of the
Formation Of the Federal Constitution.
Saturday the 18th, was the last day Of
the Philadelphia Celebration of the Consti-
tuition OF the United States, and in some re-
spects, the greatest. The whole body of the
people, with vast acoessions from abroad,
gave themselves up to lts full enjoyment.
At the memorial meeting at Independ-
ence Hall. the appearance of the president
and his wife at the head ola double column
of distinguished visitors created a
perfect uproar of applause as they
came down the center aisle towards
their places in front. The president
leaned on the arm OF Ex-Minister
Kasson, and directly behind them came
Mrs. Cleveland, leaning on the arm of
Thomas Thompson, chairman of the COM
mittee on the reception OF distinguished
guests. Next came Secretary Bayard.
Daniel lamont and wife and Secretary
Fairchild.
After all had reached the stand, Bishop
Potter arose, and being followed by all OF
those who occupied the reserved space,
made the opening prayer. Then Gen.
Sheridan, with his aides, followed closely
by Cardinal Gibbons. Archbishop Ryan
and q number OF Catholic clergy, marched
down the aisle, cheered to the echo
When they had been seated President
Kassop. OF the centennial commission as.
sumed his place, and, after a hymn had been
rendered by the chorus, arose to make the
Introductory address of the day. His re-
marks were punctuated with many DEM
onstrations of appreciation. Mrs.
Cleveland sat almost in front OF the
speakers position. and was the cynosure
OF all eyes. Cardinal Gibbons, wearing
the cardinal colors of his exalted office,
sat at the side of the speakers, and was
one of the most attentive listeners.
Ex- Minister Kasson escorted the presi-
dent to the speakers rostrum, and at 1855
he commenced en-minute address, which
was received with thunderous applause.
His enunciation was clear and perfect, and
his voice rang out audibly to the thous-
ands OF ears. He said:
l deem it a very great honor and pleas
ure to participate in these impressive ex-
ercises. Every American citizen should on
ship. He will not find the
cause OF rejoicing in the antiquity OF
his country. for among the nations of the
earth his stands with the youngest. He
will not find it in the glitter and the pomp
that bedeck a monarch aud dazzle abject
and servile subjects. fer in his country the
people themselves are rulers. He will not
find it in the story OF bloody foreign con-
quests, for his government has been con-
tent to care for its own domain and peo-
pie. He should rejoice because tho work
offraming our constitution was completed
100 years ago to-day, and also because
when completed it established a.
free government. He > should re-
joice because this constitution and govern
ment have survived so long, and also be-
cause they have survived with so many
blessings and have demonstrated so fully
the strength and value OF popular rule
He should rejoice in the wonderous growth
and achievements OF the past 100 years,
and also in the glorious promise OF the
constitution through centuries to come.
We shall fail to be duly thankful for all
that was done for us 100 years ago unless
we realize the difficulties OF the work
then in hand, and the dangers avoided in the
task offorming d m ore perfect union between
disiointed and inharmonious sta tes, with
interests and opinions radically diverse
and stubbornly maintained. The perplex-
tiles OF the yention which undertook
the labors Of preparing our constitution
are apparent in these earnest words OF one
OF it's most illustrious of its members.
1.-The president here quoted words spoken
by the member referred to, expressive of
the difficulties which beset the trainers of
the constitution, and suggesting that the
blessing OF God be invoked upon their Ia
bors.] In the face OF all discoura gements
the fathers OF the republic labored for four
long, weary months, in alternate hope
and fear, but always with rugged
resolve, never faltering in sturdy endeavor
sanctified by a prophetic sense OF the val.
ue to posterity Of their success, and always
with unflinching faith in the principles
which make the foundation of a govern
ment by the people. As We look down the
past century to the origin OF our constitu-
tion, as we contemplate it's trials and it's
triumphs, as we realize how completely
the principles upon which it is based have
need, how devoutly should we confess with
Franklin, God governs the affairs OF
men," and how solemn should be the ref1ec-
tion that to our hands is committed the
ark OF the peoples covenant, and that ours
is the duty to shield it tfrom inpions hands.
We receive it sealed with the test OF a CEN
tury. 1t has been found sufficient in the
past, and in all the future years it will be
found sufficient if the American people are
tennial day will come. and millions yet
unborn will inquire concerning our
stewardship and the safety of
their constitution. God grant that they
may find it unimpaired; and as we rejoice
in the patriotism and devotion of those
who lived a hundred years ago, so may
others who follow us rejoice in our fidelity
and in our jealous love for constitutional
liberty.
When the president was in the middle Of
his remarks the soft mellow sound OF the
bell in the cupola Of the state house which
occupies the place OF honor on the structure
rousing cheer went up from the crowd.
The president was obliged to stop talking
for few seconds. 1t was just 1905 when
the president uttered his last word, and he
at once retired to his seat. Before the
echo OF his words had died away here was
a cheering which was deafening. While
the applause was still going on, the crowd
broke into a patriotic air, and the din was
terrific.
As far as the eye could reach there was one
solid. seething, surging mass of humanity,
and when their throats opened in unison
they filled the air and made an inspiring
scene. When quiet once more reigned.
Justice Samuel F. Miller. OF the United
States supreme court delivered a very